An Eye for an Eye Leaves the Whole World Blind

In these contentious, divisive political times, it is incumbent upon us all to examine our beliefs about how to effect change.

I don’t want to take a political stand in this blog. I do want to talk about how to create the change you want.

During the Obama administration, the Republicans blocked everything they could, including a Supreme Court nominee. Now, during the beginning of the Trump administration, the Democrats are trying to block everything they can, in particular Trump’s cabinet appointees, and his first executive orders.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said,

“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.
“You may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. You may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate, nor establish love. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” [italics added]

It is not possible to create lasting change for the better with disruption, with violence or hate. If we want to drive out violence, hate, or bigotry of all kinds, we must do it with love. Political change will not happen by fighting or by obstructing those whose views are different from ours. It happens most effectively with love, and by working to find a first, small point of agreement. From that point, if we are kind and loving toward those with whom we disagree, we can create space for more agreement.

To create change, we must work toward the attitudes and policies that we want. If we work against, then we are left with violence on both sides. If we are obstructionist, we are left with no viable policies of any kind.

Instead of “an eye for an eye…” let’s approach hate with love, bigotry with acceptance, violence with compassion. From that point of strength, we can change the world.

To find the strength in yourself and to create the change you need to approach “the other” with love and compassion, please consider taking The Process.